Yoga Ohm-work- month 5.

Pranayama is the guidance of the energy or breath. In class this week Mark talked with us about breath being the first thing we do when we’re born and the last thing we do before our spirit leaves our body. It helps regulate our energy, circulates our blood, delivers nutrients to our cells and helps balance our mood. It's the only thing that's really ours. We can always rely and call on our breath. In pain, in joy, health and illness- we have our breath. Stuffy nose or clear as day- it’s there. I look forward to this focused approach for next time around. 

Bringing awareness to the breath is a goal of yoga. Sometimes when reflecting on a yoga asana class, if I thought the class was physically strenuous, I won’t be able to recall how I breathed through the poses. Similarly, when we get wrapped up in outside stress with home, work, family, or countless other activities our breath becomes affected and days can pass before someone notices the change. 

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Overall, I know I can’t control outside stress and other people. I can only control me and observe and make changes in my breathing. I can choose my reaction to stress. I can have a goal of excellence each day and adapt and overcome outside influences. I know this past month has been very difficult for me and focusing on pranayama has been a nice reminder to try and find balance. I know it’s a work in progress but this has been a real challenge.